A hit-and-run can be very scary, especially when you are driving alone or are injured. Most motorists will stop after an accident, but not everyone does, and should you ever find yourself involved in a hit-and-run in Brisbane, you must know what to do.
You will need to seek medical advice for any injuries, gather all the relevant information about the incident, and file a police report, which will try to find the other driver, holding them and their insurance responsible. We have a step-by-step guide of what to do after being involved in a hit and run and everything else you need to know. c
Step-by-step guide after a hit-and-run
After being involved in a hit-and-run, you will want to pull over as soon as it is safe. You must ensure that you are safe and have all relevant information to pass along to your insurance provider and the police. We have outlined what you should do below:
Seek medical advice if needed
First, you must assess your injuries and any passengers in your car. If there are any injuries, you should seek medical attention. You will also want a copy of the medical records from any hospital visits, as these can be used to help you claim compensation.
You will want to hire a motor accident compensation lawyer to help you claim payments for pain and suffering experienced, loss of income, and medical and rehabilitation expenses.
Gather information
Like any car accident, you must gather all relevant information to pass to your insurance company and the police. You should gather the following information:
- Details of the accident
- Photos of the accident
- The other party’s details (where possible)
- Contact details of witnesses
If someone is injured or killed, you will need to contact the police. You will also need to contact the police if one of the vehicles needs to be towed or the damages are estimated to cost more than $3,000.
File a police report
Regardless of whether someone is injured or not, if one of the parties involved in the accident does not stay to exchange information, the incident is classed as a hit-and-run. You will need to file a hit-and-run report with your local police station. We recommend doing this as soon as possible when all of the information is fresh in your mind.
When filing the police report, ask for the officer’s name and the report number so you know that the report is filed and can check for updates.
Contact your insurance company
You must also let your insurance company know you have been involved in an accident. Provide them with as much information as possible about the accident and the other driver’s details if you have them. You will need to let them know that the other driver has left the accident scene so that they can proceed with a hit-and-run claim.
What to do if you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run
If you have been injured in a hit and run, you might be able to claim compensation for medical or financial consequences you might suffer as part of your injuries. You will need proof of your injuries and should seek medical attention, documenting any treatment you receive and medical bills you have to pay.
You will want to hire a compensation lawyer specialising in hit-and-runs or car accidents to claim injuries. They can help you navigate the complex forms, negotiate, and get the best results for your care.
What information do I need for a hit-and-run claim?
Ideally, you want as much information as possible for a hit-and-run claim. It can be tricky to gather all the information, especially when one driver leaves the scene, but the more information you gather, the better. Ideally, you will want some of the following:
- A description of who was driving the car or the passengers
- The make, model, and colour of any cars involved
- The license plates of the vehicle responsible or witnesses
You can also try to obtain CCTV footage if you cannot gain this information. A lawyer can help you find this information and file your claim.
What is the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident?
In Brisbane, the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident is a fine of $2,300 and a prison sentence of up to 12 months. The charge might increase depending on the severity of the injuries caused by the accident.
Find your car accident compensation lawyers in Brisbane
After a hit and run, you must gather all the necessary information to make a claim and get the compensation you deserve. A car accident injury lawyer can help you here, like the team at Smith’s Lawyers. They have years of experience working in Brisbane and can help you get the compensation you deserve. Reach out to Smith’s Lawyers for expert car accident compensation lawyers in Brisbane.
